11 Sep 2008

Beckham's advice may have ensured he doesn't make starting lineup again

6:18 pm on 11 September 2008

Theo Walcott's hat-trick against Croatia may have ensured that David Beckham will never make another start for the England football side.

The Arsenal teenager was handed his place in the side at the expense of 33-year-old Beckham and manager Fabio Capello's judgement was vindicated by his three-goal display in a memorable 4-1 win.

Beckham did come on in the closing minutes of the match to win his 105th cap, moving him level with Billy Wright as the joint fourth most capped player for his country.

Four more cameo appearances would take Beckham past Bobby Moore's 108 caps and make him the most capped outfield player in the country's history wiht goalkeeper Peter Shilton holding the overall record with 125 caps.

But the LA Galaxy midfielder's chances of reclaiming a starting spot look slim, partly as a result of some advice he gave Walcott ahead of tonight's match - telling the 19 year old to be a bit more greedy in the goal box.